Portland, OR Pediatric Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a simple, pain-free preventive treatment that creates a protective shield over your child’s teeth, dramatically reducing their risk of developing cavities. At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, our Portland pediatric dentists believe prevention is always better than treatment, which is why we recommend dental sealants as part of a comprehensive cavity prevention strategy.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, clear or tooth-colored coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars). These surfaces contain deep grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria can hide, making them particularly vulnerable to decay. Sealants effectively “seal out” these cavity-causing elements by creating a smooth, protective barrier.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

• Reduce cavity risk by up to 80% in molars
• Quick, comfortable application with no drilling or numbing
• Provide protection that lasts several years
• Completely safe and BPA-free materials
• Cost-effective alternative to future restorative treatments like dental fillings

The Sealant Process

Applying dental sealants is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive:

1. We gently clean and dry the tooth surface
2. A mild etching solution is applied to help the sealant bond properly
3. The tooth is rinsed and dried again
4. The liquid sealant is painted onto the chewing surface
5. A special curing light hardens the sealant in seconds

The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth, with no recovery time needed. Your child can eat and drink normally immediately afterward.

When Should My Child Get Sealants?

We typically recommend sealants as soon as your child’s permanent molars erupt:

• First set of molars: Around age 6
• Second set of molars: Around age 12

However, sealants can benefit children and teenagers of any age. In some cases, we may recommend sealants for baby teeth if they have deep grooves or your child is at high risk for cavities.

Comprehensive Cavity Prevention

While sealants provide excellent protection for chewing surfaces, a complete cavity prevention strategy includes:

• Regular dental checkups every six months
• Proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Balanced diet with limited sugary foods and drinks
• Adequate fluoride exposure through toothpaste and professional treatments
• Drinking plenty of water, especially after meals

Our team works closely with families to develop personalized prevention plans based on each child’s specific needs and risk factors.

Insurance Coverage

Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, as they’re recognized as a highly effective preventive measure. Our team will help you understand your coverage options and maximize your benefits.

Schedule Your Child’s Sealant Appointment

Protect your child’s smile with dental sealants—a simple, affordable treatment that provides years of cavity protection. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our comprehensive cavity prevention services.